How To Change Nissan CVT Transmission Fluid | Nissan Pathfinder 2013-2020

In this video I will show you how to do a Nissan CVT transmission fluid drain and fill service. The vehicle I am working on is a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The steps to doing this service is very specific and you have to make sure you check the fluid level properly. I will show you all the steps in doing this service so make sure you watch the entire video. For a list of parts and tools used in the video, see the links below.

** Some information on this CVT service:
- this CVT transmission drain & fill should be done every 30-40k miles
- perform this service with the car on a level surface
- transmission fluid level check to be performed when fluid is between 95F - 113F
- you can start the fluid level check when fluid temperature reaches 104F
- if the fluid temperature passes 113F, reinstall the plug, turn off the engine and let it cool down, then repeat the check procedure at the correct temperature
- the transmission fluid drain should get about 3 to 3.5 qts of oil out
- refill new transmission fluid with 4 qts (to start) and then do the level check

* ABOUT THE ATF FILTER
The procedure shown in this video is following the Nissan service manual, and they do not require the filter to be changed. Even the Nissan dealer does not change it for this service. But if you want to, that's up to you.

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Nissan CVT NS-3 Fluid (5 quart)

Nissan 12mm Copper Crush Washer

(A less expensive option to Nissan's NS3 fluid is Idemitsu N3 fluid. They make the fluid for Nissan)
Idemitsu CVT Type N3 Transmission Fluid for Nissan - 1QT

* OBD Scan Tool Used In This Video:
Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT OBD Scan Tool (Bluetooth Wireless)

* Another OBD Tool You Can Get Under $200 That Can Read CVT Temperature
LAUNCH CRP123X Elite OBD Scan Tool

Autel MaxiCOM MK808 OBD Scan Tool (Wired)

Infrared Thermometer

Copper Crush Washer

Funnel

**TOOLS
1/4” & 3/8” Socket Set - 69 Pieces

Neiko 3/8" Adjustable Torque Wrench, 15-80 Foot-Pound

20V Electric Impact Wrench

3/8" Electric Ratchet

**FLOOR JACK & JACK STANDS:
3 Ton Floor Jack

2 Ton Jack Stands

3 Ton Jack Stands

WORK LIGHTS
8000 LM Cordless Rechargeable Work Light

Portable Handheld LED Work Light - Rechargeable

** SHOP SUPPLIES
Safety Glasses

Nitrile Gloves 8 mil Large (Box of 100)

Blue Shop Towels

Orange Pumice Hand Cleaner

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[Mrdealornodeal]

Fun fact, Amzoil makes Nissan OEM Transmission fluid and it will not void the warranty if you use Amzoil synthetic fluid rated NS-3. Blew my mind when I discovered that as well.

Good and thorough video. Thank you for sharing.

[extremeinternets]

Your video is spot on. To make things even easier put a piece of 2" x 6" in front of each tire and drive onto them- you will safely raise the vehicle while keeping it level and you'll have all the working room you need

[harbysdiymore]

I have 2013 and I’ve been using Valvoline CVT tranx fluid for years. Still driving smooth and saves me a lot of money.

[didierdilorenzo]

excellent video tutorial, thank you very much. I have a 2019 and beyond the money I save is the dubious patience or attention to detail that the people at the dealership offer me beyond not being able to see your vehicle during the service. Again, thank you very much.

[jnagime]

Great job man, As a Nissan costumer since 2003 no issues people like to talk trash about Nissan cvt transmission, my 2016 Pathfinder with 100k miles no issues changed the fluid every 30k miles

[keithwisham]

Great video. I just changed the fluid in my QX-60 following this video and my final result was that I emptied and refilled 3 quarts of fluid.

[Speeddemon]

For those DIY'rs that don't have an expensive comp and are worried about not enough fluid being added, you can measure what's been dumped. I've done this with CVT's and normal automatics that require VERY specific amounts or damage may be done.

Use a measuring cup and record exactly how many cups have been dumped out of the trans and record it. Clean the cup and refill it with the precise amount of fluid to go back in. I've never had any problems using this method.

[yoellopez]

Best teacher ever. You even give info i didnt think i needed.

[speedmaster]

Great informative DIY. I just did CVT fluid change on my 2015 Infiniti QX60 that shares the same engine as the Pathfinder. I used a Milwaukee thermal gun to measure oil temp. Thanks a lot for posting this. Removing the CVT fill cap is enough challenge already till I came across your video. Infiniti is quoting me $520 for this service.

[craigslistseller]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! We absolutely love our 2013 Quest with its smooth and problem-free CVT!!! It's by far the best and most reliable minivan we've ever owned!!! (Our last Sienna died from the infamous and catastrophic Toyota oil sludge defect. 😵🤬) The Quest has better quality than the last-generation cheaply-made, but immensely popular Sienna and it's tons more comfortable and reliable than the Odyssey!!! We're so happy and glad we chose Nissan!!!

[racergts]

Very complete and detailed step by step how to change transmission CVT fluid . Thank you for the VID.

[wirth]

Spot on! Perfect DIY CVT Trans change for Nissan. Appreciate the extra info. such as temp scanner vs computer trans temp. I've done the same with never more than 3 degress variance. Again, fantastic video.

[OQureshii]

Great to see you still have the car! I've done a lot of the same mods you've done. My 2018 is still running strong. Thanks for all the videos!

[ericswild]

This was a high quality service video. Thank you!

[safdarmunde]

I would like to thank you for this video and various other videos on Pathfinder. They have been really very useful.

[amigaman]

Thank you so much for a detailed drain and fill. I was getting ready to do mine soon and I was thinking of doing it without a scan tool, now I will use one to get it right. I know they're not cheap. I Love my 2017 Pathfinder platinum.

[jnnfrishr]

got a 2013 pathfinder. had factory change transmission fluid 2 years ago, still running good over 140, 000 miles. does hesitate going up hills from dead stop but i just take it slow. Thanks for the video!

[MarkSchmidt-tbtw]

The best video on the subject. Thank you.

[gfysyoutube]

I change my CVT fluid every 10k miles. My experience with these CVT's that you can never change this fluid enough. And upgrade to Amsoil CVT fluid. I have a 2015 QX60, and it runs like a top.

[samuelyoung]

Thank you for your excellent video. I don't have a Nissan, but I will inherit a 2015 RAV4 with CVT. This video is a good learning tools and good reference on the skill. Thank you again for the video 👍👍👍👍👍